To Vote Or To Not Vote

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While 2018 is not a presidential election year, it is a significantly important year for possible changes in the U.S. government. What makes this year so important? The answer is simple; midterm elections. Now, what are midterm elections? Well, these elections are the federal elections in which American citizens are able to vote for their next members in Congress. “Midterms” are typically held halfway between presidential elections, and will determine which political party (Democrat or Republican) will take control of each chamber of Congress for the next two years.

Why is this critical for American politics? When a certain party takes control of one of the two chambers of Congress, it is more likely to get its proposed legislation passed in that chamber. This is especially paramount in this politically-tense time period because, if given the chance, the Democrats will likely investigate Trump and his administration much more intently than the Republicans have been. Whereas, if the Republicans were to maintain control of one of the chambers, they will be likely be passive to many of the policies Donald Trump will try to implement. This year, not only are 435 U.S. House seats open, but 33 U.S. Senate seats are open as well.

The “midterms” will be held on November 6 of this year, a Tuesday. To ensure that you have a voice in the determination of the U.S. governmental representatives, make sure to go out and vote. The deadline for pre-registering is 15 days before the election day, meaning that pre-registration for this election will be October 22.

If you are currently under the voting age, which is 18 years old in the U.S., no need to fret. You can pre-register to vote for the next election. By pre-registering, you will automatically be able to vote once you turn 18 years old. To pre-register, you must be 16 or 17 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of California (if you plan to vote in California), are not currently in state or federal prison, or on parole for the conviction of a felony, and are not currently found mentally incompetent.

Now is the time to make your voice heard, and voting is the way to go. So, make sure to mark October 22 and November 6 down in your calendars because these are the days where you can help to make America the country that you envision it to be.